Each matchup matters from here on in, with several enormous conclusions in week 14 that might decide play-off berths come the conclusion of the year.
A 42-year Aaron Rodgers landed a major blow to Lamar Jackson's postseason hopes, while the Buffalo Bills quarterback virtually ended Joe Burrow's hopes. At the same time, the Houston Texans defense presented a massive problem and may have finished the Kansas City Chiefs campaign sooner than ever in the Mahomes tenure.
The Breakdown: Divisional Showdowns Live Up To the Hype
Three massive rivalry games did not disappoint.
Seasoned signal-caller Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, steered his team to a tough close victory in Baltimore. He scored his initial running touchdown in nearly three years, but it was his deep passes to his star wideout that proved to be the difference.
The Ravens' quarterback seemed out of kilter as his team missed key opportunities—though they were left fuming by a late score being overturned. These franchises are scheduled to face off once more on the final day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league witnessed a epic contest. Even with scoring bombs, an exhausted defense had to thwart another fourth-quarter rally from the visiting rookie quarterback in the freezing conditions.
The outcome gave one side a slender lead in their division, whereas the defeated team dropped from the NFC's top spot down to outside the playoff picture.
In-Depth Look: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Chiefs only a 15% chance of making the postseason. Realistically, this will be the first missed post-season for franchise QB Mahomes—and the first for the organization in a decade.
During Mahomes' seven complete seasons as a starting quarterback, he has advanced to seven AFC Championship games and 5 championship games. That means the club has competed in nearly each available game during his time.
So, the causes for the current failure are clear and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries decimated an already questionable offensive line, with several starters missing.
Even then, the quarterback gave his squad a chance, but missed field goals and critical dropped passes—including on a key fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
In Focus: Could the Lombardi Trophy Be Heading for the Western US?
A pair of top teams from the West Coast divisions are making compelling arguments for championship contention.
One squad, atop their the AFC, won the most recent title played at February's venue. They are built on a dominant defense that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, long possessions.
The second contender, atop the other conference, demonstrated an high-powered offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They feature a two-headed running attack to complement an elite aerial attack.
The question could be whether the potent offence could withstand the smothering pass rush of the elite defense—a a must-watch playoff showdown.
Discussion: A Star Tight End Pondering Calling It Quits?
Among the aftermath from the Kansas City's loss, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate sparked rumors about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes state, "each season... I try to appreciate since you never know" certainly seemed like he was bracing for the 36-year-old to call it a day.
"He will have the option to do what he wants to do following this season," Mahomes added. Should the season concludes prematurely for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to retire.
Preview: Bills vs. Patriots Highlights Week 15
The Bills' quarterback did it all once more for Buffalo in a snowy victory. He threw three scores and rushed for another, responsible for a staggering portion of his offense's overall touchdowns this season.
He is the first quarterback in league history with three thousand passing yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running touchdowns in 3 straight campaigns.
Next, he tries to carry the team on his shoulders again as they aim to catch their division foes, the New England Patriots—and, that's exactly who they play this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Bills @ Patriots
- Lions @ Rams
- Packers @ Broncos
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Chiefs
Week 14 Statistical Highlights
- A kick-off runback for a 100-yard touchdown—the longest play of the season—kick-started a second-half onslaught for one team.
- A prolific wide receiver scored two touchdowns and remains on course for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared pass rusher recorded his twentieth QB sack of the season, moving within reach of the single-season mark.
- An international placekicker played a key role for his team in a surprise victory in rainy weather.
- A offense that was held scoreless one week responded with a clean sheet of its own the following week.
- A struggling team saw its star QB come back from injury, only to exit the contest once more with a related injury.
